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Gages Lake man charged after 1,000 images of child porn found

Lake County authorities say about 1,000 images of child pornography were found on electronic devices seized at a home in Gages Lake.

Jason G. Rygiel, 29, of the 18000 block of West Grand Avenue, was held in the Lake County jail on $100,000 bail after his arrest Thursday on five counts of reproducing child pornography, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Each count is a Class X felony punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison on conviction.

Based on an investigation by the Sheriff's Office Cybercrimes Unit, with assistant from the Lake County State's Attorney's office, authorities used a search warrant to enter the home and take Rygiel into custody. Evidence at the home included multiple electronic devices capable of storing electronic media, according to Sgt. Curtis A. Gregory.

An examination of the devices showed approximately 1,000 images and videos identified as child pornography, and officials determined Rygiel reproduced several videos containing child pornography, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office. Gregory explained that reproduction involved transferring an original image to another device.

Based on the “extensive amount” of child pornography found on the electronic devices, the investigation will continue to determine if additional charges will be sought, according to the release.

Rygiel needs to post 10 percent or $10,000 to be released from jail. A court date is scheduled for Jan. 30.

“As long as people continue to exchange child pornography on the Internet, the Lake County Sheriff's Cyber Crimes Unit will continue to search for them and arrest them,” Gregory said.

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